Importing KML data into google maps

The potential to apply geo mapping to a whole range of task has become easier than ever allowing us to visualise concepts that was historically only available to a small few with fancy mapping software. Nowadays Google provides a powerful mapping engine accessible to everyone to create amazing mapping experiences. One cannot help but be impressed.

Google makes things even easier by providing an import function that allows us to import KML (keyhole markup language) co-ordinates straight into your own maps.

There are two distinct tools that can be used and both are very similar in their import methods. My Maps and Google earth.

Before we start, its important not to confuse the google earth “view” that the online mapping provides and the Google Earth downloadable app that runs on your computer. I tend to use google My Maps more often only because I can access it from any computer. Google Earth runs on a single computer. But if you were to load google earth on all computers that you use, it has the ability to sign in and access your online saved maps making portability not so much of an issue. It then becomes a matter of preference. If you haven’t looked at google earth, it ts seriously worth a look. It’s a free download from google. Download it here http://earth.google.com

7. Once the import has finished, you may notice that NOT all markers are visible. Scroll down the bottom of the list on the left and check to see if there is more than one page. You will be able to select multiple pages.

8. Some data imports have attributes for each marker. This means that by clicking on a marker, there may be some information displayed in a bubble.